[Maximal Logo]

MPL Modeling System

This page is produced from our 4-page brochure about the MPL Modeling System. To see full-size version of the screenshots from the brochure click on each picture.

MPL screenshot (40K)

The Cutting Edge of Optimization Modeling

State-of-the-art model development

The new, innovative MPL Modeling System is a state-of-the-art modeling software that allows the model developer to efficiently formulate all types of Linear Programming (LP) models in a clear, concise way. The new release MPL for Windows takes full advantage of the many new 32-bit graphical user interface features that are now available in Windows 95/98 and Windows NT/2000. As a result, the MPL integrated model development environment is both easier and more productive for the user. In effect, MPL provides, in a single system, all the essential components needed to formulate the model, gather and maintain the data, optimize the model, and then analyze the results. For instance, you use the built-in model editor to work on the MPL model file and then select the optimizer directly from the menus to solve the model. The solution results are automatically retrieved and displayed in a window for viewing, providing you with instant feedback. With MPL you can now achieve a quantum leap in your productivity as a model developer.

Model Definition Tree Screenshot (7K)

The Model Definitions Tree shows all the defined items in the model.


View Variable Values Screenshot (8K)

Double-click on any item to get the solution values.


Direct link To Solvers

A unique feature of MPL is its direct link to the solver. This results in the matrix being transferred between the modeling system and the solver directly through memory. As there are no files involved, this seamless connection is considerably faster and more robust than the traditional use of files in other modeling systems. To solve the model, just select the optimizer from the menus and a status window will pop up showing detailed information on the solution process. In the event it is necessary to change any algorithmic options for the solver, MPL provides easy-to-use dialog boxes. MPL can work with almost any commercial solver on the market today, including, among others, CPLEX, OSL, XA, FrontLine, FortMP, and LINDO.

status window screenshot (6K)

The Status Window gives you the full information on the solution process.


Database Connection

The MPL Modeling System was specifically designed and enhanced with the model developer's needs in mind. One of the advanced features that MPL offers is a database connection that directly links MPL with relational databases and other data sources. This link allows the model developer to gather both indexes and data values from various sources and import it directly into the model. Then, after the optimization has finished, the solution output is exported back into the database. At this point, the output can be customized into an application according to the needs of the end-user.

MPL model file screenshot (27K)

Creates links to the database in the MPL model file.


Create End User Applications

With the advanced database connection now available in MPL you have the opportunity to use the built-in data-entry and reporting capabilities of databases, such as MS Access or Paradox, to create end-user applications. These end-user applications are invaluable to the model developer when presenting their model data to the user. The ability to create graphical front-ends directly in the application enables the model to be presendted in user-friendly environment. At that point, the end-user is able to change the data as needed directly from the customized database form and then just click on a button that says Optimize. You can then use the reporting capabilities of the database to present the solution results on the screen or in printed reports.

Paradox frontend screenshot (43K)

Use the database as a front-end to handle changes to the data and create reports for the end-user application.

Key Features of MPL

Graphical user interface

  • Windows and dialog boxes
  • Model definitions tree window
  • Message window
  • Project management
  • Toolbar buttons
  • Extensive on-line help
  • Context sensitive help for dialog boxes

Windows-based Model Editor

  • Works with multiple files simultaneously
  • Clipboard operations
  • Search and replace
  • Goto specific line

Optimizing the model

  • Run solvers directly from the menus
  • Supports multiple solvers: CPLEX, OSL, XA, Frontline, FortMP, and LINDO
  • Direct link to solvers through memory
  • Status window with progress information
  • Instant syntax checking of the model
  • Fast and efficient correction of errors
  • Generate solver input files
  • Infeasibility finder
  • Log information and warnings
  • Set solver options: algorithmic, tolerances, preprocessing, log files, mixed integer
  • Input files for external solvers can be generated

Solution Results

  • Model definitions in a tree window
  • Activity, reduced cost, slack and shadow prices
  • Ranges for objective function and the RHS
  • Graph of the matrix with zoom
  • Graph of change in one objective function

MPL Modeling Language

  • Designed for readability
  • Independent from specific solvers
  • Advanced multi-dimensional indexing
  • Set operations on indexes
  • Separation of data from the model
  • Include data from external files
  • Relational database operations
  • Data entered at runtime
  • Variable names of any length
  • Vector variables and constraints
  • Summation over vector variables
  • WHERE conditions
  • Special Ordered Sets
  • Macro definitions
  • Conditional directives
  • Include files
  • Abort if conditions
  • Helpful error messages

Database Connection

  • Seamless integration with MPL
  • Import data directly from the database
  • Export solution values back to the database
  • Supports multiple databases: MS Access, MS Excel, ODBC, Paradox, FoxPro, Dbase, Oracle and MIMI
  • Send results from solver back to the database

Platforms

  • MS Windows version: Windows 95/98, Windows NT/2000
  • OSF Motif version: HP 9000, IBM RS-6000, SUN Sparc, Silicon Graphics

Maximal Software, Inc.
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201

Tel: (703) 522-7900
Fax: (703) 522-7902
Email: info@maximalsoftware.com

MPL and Maximal are trademarks of Maximal Software. The names of other products are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Return to MPL Modeling System Page